Transcription

1 Cocaine Introduction Cocaine is a powerful drug that stimulates the brain. People who use it can form a strong addiction. Addiction is when a drug user can t stop taking a drug, even when he or she wants to. Cocaine may be taken in different ways. No matter how it is taken, cocaine is dangerous. It can cause heart attacks, respiratory failure and strokes. Any of these can be fatal. This reference summary explains cocaine. It talks about cocaine abuse, cocaine s effects on the brain and health complications. It also covers recovery and treatment of cocaine abuse. Cocaine Abuse and Addiction Drug abuse is when a person takes an illegal drug or takes medicine for reasons other than illness. People may start abusing drugs for many reasons. There are certain drugs that are more commonly abused. These drugs may be: Illegal in some areas of the world, such as heroin. Legal for adults only in some areas of the world, such as alcohol and tobacco. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines, such as painkillers or cough and cold medicines. Like heroin, cocaine is a drug that is illegal in some areas of the world. Cocaine is a commonly abused drug. 1

2 Cocaine is a white powder. It can be taken in many different ways, including: In a vein. In the nose. Smoked. Cocaine abuse often begins in social situations. People may try cocaine because the people they are with or around are taking it. Cocaine addiction happens when a drug user feels that they need cocaine and can t stop taking it, even if they want to. The urge to take cocaine is too strong to control, even if you know it is harming you. For people with a cocaine addiction, the addiction is the most important thing in their life. A person with a cocaine addiction might do just about anything to support their addiction. For example, a person with a cocaine addiction may steal money in order to buy more cocaine. When people start taking cocaine, they don t plan to get addicted. A drug user believes they can control how much and how often they take a drug. Addiction happens because drugs change the brain and how it works. These brain changes may last a long time and can cause: Memory loss. Mood swings. Trouble thinking and making decisions. It is important to understand that addiction is a disease, just like diabetes and cancer are diseases. Addiction is not simply a weakness. It can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. It is also important to know that drug addiction is different than drug dependence. Drug dependence is when becomes physically dependent on a drug. Without the drug they will become sick. Drug addiction is a mental disease that can lead to physical drug dependence. Not all drugs that can lead to addiction cause dependence. For instance, someone may be addicted to alcohol but not need it physically. Likewise, not all drug dependencies come from addiction. A person may be on a prescribed medication that they cannot stop taking abruptly without getting sick. 2

3 Effects Cocaine changes how the brain works. It affects the levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical. It is associated with pleasure and movement. Some brain cells, or neurons, use dopamine to communicate with one another. Dopamine is released by a neuron in response to a pleasure signal, such as when a person smells good food. Normally, the dopamine goes back into the cell that released it. This shuts off the communication with other neurons. But cocaine stops the dopamine from returning to the cell. Dopamine then builds up in the brain. The extra dopamine causes the effects of cocaine. This includes a high feeling. A person using the drug may be happy and excited. He or she may also feel more alert and have more energy. But the person s mood can change quickly. Cocaine can also cause a person to be angry, nervous and afraid. Cocaine also causes a person s heart to beat fast and the body to feel hot, shake and twitch. It can also interfere with normal sleeping and eating habits. The high is usually followed by a crash. This causes a person using cocaine to feel very tired and sad. The crash may last for many days. It also can cause the drug user to have a strong craving for the drug. A cocaine high usually does not last very long. A person may keep taking the drug again and again to try to keep feeling good. This leads to addiction. People addicted to cocaine might take bigger doses or take it more often to get high. When a person addicted to cocaine tries to quit taking the drug, it can cause them to: Act nervous and restless. Be suspicious of people and things around them. Feel very sad and tired. Have bad dreams. Strongly crave the drug. This makes it even more difficult to quit taking cocaine. 3

4 Health Complications Cocaine abuse and addiction can cause many health complications. The complications are often serious. Cocaine can make a person feel sick, causing stomach pain and headaches. It can make a person shake, vomit or pass out. Cocaine also affects a person s normal eating patterns. It can make a person not want to eat. Over time, this can lead to weight loss and malnutrition. Malnutrition is when the body does not get the nutrients its needs to be healthy. Another health complication of cocaine abuse is heart problems. Cocaine raises the blood pressure and makes the heart beat faster. This can cause a heart attack or a stroke, and either can lead to sudden death. This can happen even if the person has not been using cocaine for very long. Some health complications depend on how the cocaine is taken. If it is snorted through the nose, cocaine can cause a runny nose and nosebleeds. It can also cause the drug user to lose his or her sense of smell. If cocaine is injected, it can leave marks where the needle went in. Sharing needles can also cause more serious complications, such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It kills or damages the body's immune system cells. AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is the most advanced stage of infection with HIV. HIV/AIDS can be spread by sharing drug needles. HIV/AIDS can also be spread through unprotected sex. People who are high on cocaine may forget to use condoms. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can lead to scarring, called cirrhosis, or to cancer. Hepatitis is also spread by sharing drug needles and through unprotected sex. People who abuse cocaine may experience a temporary period of paranoid psychosis. This can cause a person to lose touch with reality. They can also experience hallucinations. Hallucinations refer to something a person senses as being real but is, in fact, not real. This may include a sight, sound, smell, taste or touch. 4

5 Recovery & Treatment Treatment helps people stop using cocaine. Treatment often includes talk therapy. The goals of treatment are to help a person: Learn how to fight the urges to use drugs again. Regain control of his or her life. When someone quits taking cocaine and starts learning how to live life without the drug, it is called recovery. The first step in recovery is detoxification. Cocaine abuse changes the way the brain works and creates a need for the cocaine. It will take a while for your body to adjust to life without it. Detoxification, or withdrawal therapy, helps you stop taking cocaine in a safe way. It may involve slowly reducing how much of the drug you use. Side effects of withdrawal may include: Anxiety. Depression. Extreme tiredness. Problems sleeping. Strong cravings for the drug. Withdrawal may also cause more serious side effects, such as: High blood pressure or heart rate. Rapid breathing. Seeing or hearing things that are not real. Seizures. Suicidal thoughts. Because withdrawal can cause serious side effects, it may require monitoring in a medical facility or treatment center. Treatment programs that provide education and therapy sessions are available. These sessions may be done individually, in a group setting or with family members. Treatment can also be done in different settings. Outpatient programs let people come and go to receive treatment. Inpatient programs let people stay as residents in a facility to receive treatment. 5

6 Counseling can be done one-on-one or with family members. It can help you cope with cravings and provide strategies for avoiding relapse. Relapsing is when a person quits a drug but starts using again. People recovering from addiction often have one or more relapses along the way. Self-help groups are also a key part of treatment for many people. These groups focus on how drug addiction is a disease that requires ongoing treatment. It can also connect you to people who are in similar situations. A health care provider or counselor can help determine which type of treatment is best for each person. Concerned family members can also get in contact with a health care provider or counselor to try to help a loved one that is addicted to drugs. Summary Cocaine is a powerful drug that stimulates the brain. People who use it can form a strong addiction. Addiction is when a drug user can t stop taking a drug, even when he or she wants to. Cocaine may be taken in different ways. No matter how it is taken, cocaine is dangerous. It can cause heart attacks, respiratory failure and strokes. Any of these can be fatal. Treatment helps people stop using the drugs they are addicted to. Treatment often includes talk therapy. The goals of treatment are to help a person: Learn how to fight the urges to use drugs again. Regain control of his or her life. 6

Methamphetamine Introduction Methamphetamine is a very addictive stimulant drug. People who use it can form a strong addiction. Addiction is when a drug user can t stop taking a drug, even when he or she

Heroin Introduction Heroin is a powerful drug that affects the brain. People who use it can form a strong addiction. Addiction is when a drug user can t stop taking a drug, even when he or she wants to.

Drug Abuse and Addiction Introduction A drug is a chemical substance that can change how your body and mind work. People may abuse drugs to get high or change how they feel. Addiction is when a drug user

Prescription Drug Abuse Introduction Most people take medicines only for the reasons their health care providers prescribe them. But millions of people around the world have used prescription drugs for

SUBSTANCE ABUSE You have to choose who you want to be in life. This happens by making lots of decisions every day. Using substances is a choice. This is a big choice, because substances have a very real

Alcohol and drug abuse This chapter explores how alcohol abuse affects our families, relationships, and communities, as well as the health risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse. 1. Alcohol abuse

PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE prevention Understanding Drug Addiction Many people do not understand how someone could abuse drugs even when their life seems to be falling apart. It is often assumed that those

Reintegration Recovery Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Dependence Reintegration Resilience 02 How do you free yourself from the stress and risks of alcohol dependence? Most people cannot do it

MEDICATION GUIDE VIVITROL (viv-i-trol) (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension) Read this Medication Guide before you start receiving VIVITROL injections and each time you receive an injection.

Buprenorphine/Naloxone Maintenance Treatment for Opioid Dependence Information for Family Members Family members of patients who have been prescribed buprenorphine/naloxone for treatment of opioid addiction

Iowa Governor s Office of Drug Control Policy medicines or take them in a manner not prescribed, we increase the risk of negative effects. It is estimated that over 35 million Americans are ages 65 and

Introduction Amphetamines, which are classified as stimulants, work by using the dopamine reward system of the brain. When these drugs are used, the user s central nervous system is simulated which causes

Petrol, paint and other Polydrug inhalants use 237 11 Polydrug use Overview What is polydrug use? Reasons for polydrug use What are the harms of polydrug use? How to assess a person who uses several drugs

What is heroin? Heroin is an opiate/depressant drug processed from morphine, a naturally occurring substance in the Asian poppy plant. Morphine has been used as a narcotic for thousands of years. According

the facts about NALTREXONE for Treatment of Opioid Addiction It s not like I woke up one day when I was young and told myself, I wanna be a drug addict. I wanna ruin my life and ruin the lives of those

Tobacco Addiction Why does it seem so hard to stop smoking? Smoking causes changes in your body and in the way you act. The changes in your body are caused by an addiction to nicotine. The changes in the

10 questions to consider before you smoke your next joint. 1 2 You ve probably heard conflicting opinions about marijuana and its risks. The statistics and health information included here are not opinions.

The Family Library DEPRESSION What is depression? Depression is a medical illness that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Depression can cause physical symptoms, too. Also called

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Healthy Aging Getting Older ]Wiser: safer drinking as you age Do you drink alcohol even just one drink now and then? Are you over 50? Do you ever take

Take Action Against Hepatitis C For People in Recovery From Mental Illness or Addiction Attention treatment providers in behavioral health programs! This booklet is intended for use with clients who: Are

What you should know about treating your pain with opioids Important information on the safe use of opioid pain medicine. If your healthcare provider has determined that opioid therapy is right for you,

The dangers of smoking, drinking, and taking drugs Give Your Baby a Healthy Start Tips for Pregnant Women and New Mothers What you do today can stay with your baby forever Your baby needs your love and

Alcohol and Drugs What If I'm Concerned About Someone Else's Drinking? Sometimes people live in homes where a parent or other family member drinks too much. This may make you angry, scared, and depressed.

Patient information from the BMJ Group Lung cancer (non-small-cell) It can be devastating to find out that you or someone close to you has lung cancer. You will have to make some important decisions about

1 of 6 6/3/2014 10:15 AM Return to Web version Depression Overview What is depression? When doctors talk about depression, they mean the medical illness called major depression. Someone who has major depression

Patient information from the BMJ Group Depression in children and adolescents Depression is an illness that affects people of all ages, including children and teenagers. It can stop a child or teenager

Alcohol Alcoholism is a word which many people use to mean alcohol dependence (alcohol addiction). Some people are problem drinkers without being dependent on alcohol. If you are alcohol- dependent then

the facts about BUPRENORPHINE for Treatment of Opioid Addiction U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Substance Abuse Treatment

ARTICLE #1 PLEASE RETURN AT THE END OF THE HOUR Alcoholism By Mayo Clinic staff Original Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcoholism/ds00340 Definition Alcoholism is a chronic and often progressive

Facts About Opioid Overdose How Does an Overdose Occur? Opioid overdose can occur when a patient misunderstands the directions for use, accidentally takes an extra dose, or deliberately misuses a prescription

Pneumonia Pneumonia is an infection that makes the tiny air sacs in your lungs inflamed (swollen and sore). They then fill with liquid. People with mild (not so bad) pneumonia can usually be treated at

National Institute on Aging AgePage Depression Everyone feels blue now and then. It s part of life. But, if you no longer enjoy activities that you usually like, you may have a more serious problem. Feeling

Benzodiazepines And Sleeping Pills Psychological Medicine Introduction Benzodiazepines are a type of medication prescribed by doctors for its therapeutic actions in various conditions such as stress and

Heroin Heroin is a synthetic opiate drug that is highly addictive. It is made from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of the Asian opium poppy plant. Heroin usually appears

Caring for depression Aetna Health Connections SM Disease Management Program Get information. Get help. Get better. 21.05.300.1 B (6/08) Get back to being you How this guide can help you Having an ongoing

TM Understanding Depression The Road to Feeling Better Helping Yourself Your Treatment Options A Note for Family Members Understanding Depression Depression is a biological illness. It affects more than

Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens Does your child go through intense mood changes? Does your child have extreme behavior changes too? Does your child get too excited or silly sometimes? Do you notice

Why invest? How drug treatment and recovery services work for individuals, communities and society What is drug addiction? Drug addiction is a complex but treatable condition Those affected use drugs compulsively,

MEDGUIDE SECTION Medication Guide SEROQUEL (SER-oh-kwell) (quetiapine fumarate) Tablets Read this Medication Guide before you start taking SEROQUEL and each time you get a refill. There may be new information.

Patient information from the BMJ Group Stopping smoking Smoking harms your health, but it's difficult to stop. That s because most people who smoke have become addicted to nicotine, a chemical in tobacco.

Tuberculosis and You A Guide to Tuberculosis Treatment and Services Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease that can damage the lungs or other parts of the body like the brain, kidneys or spine. There are

Treating Chronic Hepatitis C A Review of the Research for Adults Is This Information Right for Me? Yes, this information is right for you if: Your doctor* has told you that you have chronic hepatitis C.

Your Brain! The brain is the command center of your body. It controls just about everything you do, even when you are sleeping. Weighing about 3 pounds, the brain is made up of many parts that all work

Smoking Cessation Program UHN Information for people who are ready to quit smoking Read this information to learn: why you should quit smoking how the Smoking Cessation Program works treatments to help

This booklet provides information for people who use heroin The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) has conducted many interviews with heroin users, many of whom have requested more information

Adapted from TB and You: A Guide to Tuberculosis Treatment and Services with permission from Division of Public Health TB Control Program State of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

Heroin Heroin is an opiate drug that is synthesized from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of the Asian opium poppy plant. Heroin usually appears as a white or brown

Psychotic Disorders Introduction Psychotic disorders are severe mental disorders that cause abnormal thinking and perceptions. These disorders cause people to lose touch with reality. As a result, people

Older Adults and Alcohol You Can Get Help 5 What s Inside? Read this booklet to learn about alcohol and aging. Share this booklet with your friends and family. Use this booklet to start talking about how

New York State Department of Health 9413 Rev. 10/05 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEPATITIS C: A GUIDE FOR PEOPLE WITH HIV INFECTION Did you know that in the United States, at least 1 in 4 people with HIV

Heroin Heroin is an opiate drug that is synthesized from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of the Asian opium poppy plant. Heroin usually appears as a white or brown

Get the Facts About TB TUBERCULOSIS Disease What s Inside: 3 PAGE Get the facts, then get the cure 4 PAGE 9 PAGE 12 PAGE Learn how TB is spread Treatment for TB disease Talking to family and friends about

MEDICATION GUIDE WELLBUTRIN (WELL byu-trin) (bupropion hydrochloride) Tablets Read this Medication Guide carefully before you start using WELLBUTRIN and each time you get a refill. There may be new information.

Drug and Drug use DRUGS OF ABUSE CLASSIFICATION AND EFFECTS A pharmaceutical preparation or a naturally occurring substance used primarily to bring about a change in the existing process or state (physiological,

ALCOHOLISM, ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE AND THE EFFECTS ON YOUR HEALTH. Alcoholism also known as alcohol dependence is a disabling ADDICTIVE DISORDER. It is characterized by compulsive and uncontrolled consumption

1 About drugs Drugs are substances that change a person s physical or mental state. The vast majority of drugs are used to treat medical conditions, both physical and mental. Some, however, are used outside

Facts About Alcohol Addiction Prevention & Treatment Services Table of Contents Facts about alcohol: What is harmful involvement with alcohol?... 2 What is alcohol dependence?... 3 What Is BAC?... 4 What

Alcohol and Tobacco Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are behaviors that often begin in adolescence. Although tobacco companies are prohibited from advertising, promoting, or marketing their products

MEDICATION GUIDE SYLATRON (SY-LA-TRON) (Peginterferon alfa-2b) Read this Medication Guide before you start taking SYLATRON, and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This Medication

Prescription drugs are the 3 rd most commonly abused drugs amongst teens in Nebraska, and the same statistic holds true on a national level. The rise in prescription drug abuse is becoming increasingly

Alcohol detoxification A guide to alcohol detoxification for service users and families. Stockton Treatment Alcohol and Recovery Service Alcohol dependence If you are dependent on alcohol then you will

BOOKLET 8 TM A Guide To Remaining Smoke Life Without Cigarettes Contents Urges 2 Benefits of Quitting 4 But What About My Weight? 7 If You Do Smoke 9 In Closing 10 This is the eighth and last booklet in

How To Stop Smoking Tamra Casper Ugly Facts About Smoking 52 million Americans smoke cigarettes. 400,000 people in this country die every year due to smoking related illnesses. Each cigarette you smoke

Naltrexone Pellet Treatment for Opiate, Heroin, and Alcohol Addiction Frequently Asked Questions What is Naltrexone? Naltrexone is a prescription drug that effectively blocks the effects of heroin, alcohol,

About DEPRESSION Because it s important to know as much as you can. This booklet is designed to help you understand depression and the things you can do every day to help manage it. Taking your medicine

Insomnia What is insomnia? Having insomnia means you often have trouble falling or staying asleep or going back to sleep if you awaken. Insomnia can be either a short-term or a long-term problem. Insomnia

Objectives Identify five serious physical effects of longterm alcohol abuse. Describe the three stages of alcoholism. List in order three steps taken during recovery from alcoholism. Slide 1 of 25 Myth